Security for some entering Canada via the French islands on the south coast is being beefed up to close off a loophole by which people can get around pre-arrival screening in Canada.
The federal government says most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon still need an electronic travel authorization. The rule applies to travellers arriving by ferry, private boats and commercial vessels.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says some people have attempted to bypass Canada’s pre-arrival screening requirements by travelling by boat between the French islands and Fortune.
The change will not apply to passengers arriving by cruise ship, French citizens who are residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and who are travelling directly to Canada, or seafarers on commercial vessels, such as fishing boats.
The travel authorization is linked to one’s passport, and is valid for five years.
